Walleye Lures

Think about the number of times you have been in a boat where one person is having the most success. Or one person is having no success! You can bet your bottom dollar there is a difference in their jigging methods . There are a number of things you must consider to make your day a success.

We have put together a “best practices” list for jigging walleye. The jig remains the most effective of all walleye lures. Arm yourself with the knowledge below.

Get ‘er down there! While walleye fishing, you are not going to catch many fish unless you are on or near the bottom. You are fooling yourself if you don’t feel your jig bounce off the bottom from time to time. It is where the fish are and it’s where you need to be. Take note of the speed of the current and the speed of any drift. These elements will determine how heavy a jig you will need.

If you are moving, cast the jig in the direction you are drifting. This will give it extra time to get to the bottom while you drift toward it. There is a reason why there are jigs of different sizes. Make sure you use the right one for the right circumstance and “ger ‘er down there”.

Know what they are eating. Make sure you understand what the fish are feeding on. Match the jig and bait to what the fish are going after in the water. This may require a bit of experimentation on your part, but it should translate into success. There are a number of walleye lures and jigs to help you match the feed in the water.

Colors – not always what we assume. We have all been in the boat fishing for walleye and assumed we knew what color would work. Experience, the time of day and the choppiness of the water makes us to assume one thing over another. While walleye fishing in Canada brighter colors in dark or murky waters usually work. Darker colors on bright days are often the norm.

But conditions change under the water. Be prepared to get creative. Just because chartreuse worked yesterday or two hours ago doesn’t mean it will work right now. Try something different. Using colored plastic tails to enhance the presentation can work quite often. Fuzzy jigs can make a difference. If the action stops, don’t keep using the same jig color waiting for them to turn on again. Act sooner than later.

Experiment with your presentation. Depending on the mood of fish, walleye will prefer one presentation over another. You have to figure out what the method is. The most active fish in the area will usually respond to a quick pop you give your rod as you jig. Pop your lure quickly 6 to 12 inches and then slowly let it fall to the bottom following with your rod tip. Try a slower lift with a quick drop next and then a slow lift and slow drop. There is no science to this. It is all about trial and error. Remember to get to the bottom each time however.

Control your vessel. No matter what you are fishing in, controlling your boat is a very important element to jigging. If you are in a current, simply aim your bow into the moving water and use your electric motor to match the speed of the current. Another strategy to slow your movement is the use of a drifting anchor. You can tell if you are moving by studying your line. If it goes straight down, you are not drifting. If it is trailing out on an angle you are drifting.

Make sure you adjust your drifting speed or the weight of your jig accordingly. Make sure you are getting to the bottom! This is a big key to successful walleye fishing.

Know the water. Talk to a fellow angler or the outfitter of your resort to make sure you are heading in the right direction. Also get some intelligence on the colors, depth, bait and presentation of the walleye lures being used. If they have a map, bring it with you. You need to know the location of reefs, humps and other underwater structure that attract walleye.

Now get out there and enjoy some success with your jigs and other walleye lures.

Thanks for reading.

Good fishing.

Return to Walleye Main from Walleye Lures